Ohio State HC Ryan Day discusses new position for Alabama transfer Caleb Downs: "I know he has the athleticism to do it"
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs took the college football world by shock when he announced his transfer from the Alabama Crimson Tide to the Ohio State Buckeyes in January.
While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day hinted at playing the Alabama transfer on both sides of the ball next season, making him an option as a running back.
"I know that he (Caleb Downs) has the capability to do it," Day said. "I know he has the athleticism to do it. We'll see where it goes."
The idea of two-way players in college football has reduced with the modern demands of the game, and players with ambitions to become professionals in the NFL stick to one position to reduce the risk of injury.
Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter is perhaps one of the most visible and talented two-way stars in college football, playing both cornerback and wide receiver for Deion Sanders' team to a high degree last season.
The Buckeyes are well stocked in the running back department, with returning star TreVeyon Henderson in the team after a stellar 2023 season, registering 926 running yards and 11 touchdowns.
Ryan Day also acquired Quinshon Judkins from the Ole Miss Rebels via the transfer portal after he registered 2,725 running yards, resulting in 31 touchdowns during his two-year career under coach Lane Kiffin.
Caleb Downs stays loyal to Ohio State
It was a time of great confusion for Alabama Crimson Tide student-athletes when celebrated coach Nick Saban decided to retire, with several of them entering the transfer portal during the period of uncertainty as Kalen DeBoer was appointed his successor.
Among those who left was safety Caleb Downs, who committed to Ryan Day's project at Ohio State. When offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who had also jumped into the portal, returned, there was speculation that Downs would reverse his decision as well.
Downs affirmed his commitment to Ohio State in an in-house interview.
"I'm here," Downs said. "At the end of the day, I didn't feel like I needed to say anything, because at the end of the day, I was still here at practice," he added. "I was still here with my teammates. I feel my actions speak for themselves. I don't need to say anything about that... But I'm here.
"I love the city. I love High Street. I love being in the city, going to restaurants. The food is great here. No complaints from me."
Coach Ryan Day seems to have a plan for Caleb Downs that will make him a rare species in college football and might end up boosting his draft prospects and even moving him closer to winning the Heisman Trophy.